BY BRIAN BURGAN - ENDS CYCLING CREW
In February 2019, Ends of the Earth Cycling took a team of 20 to Belize. This was a cycling mission trip to benefit Freedom House Ministry: a ministry that provides a 12-month discipleship program and work training for men who have previously been imprisoned.
I had previously lived in Belize but this time it was different, I was going on a mission trip and God had something new in mind. I was looking forward to a week of fellowship with the men from Freedom House, cycling through Belize and enjoying a day snorkeling off Placencia.
It was incredible to meet first hand the young men God is blessing through our miles and prayers. I was amazed to see how God is allowing me to be a part of His plan to reach, teach, and change the lives of youth and young adults throughout the world and meet those people in person.
Winston is one of the young men from Freedom House that I met in February 2018 while scouting for this bike ride. At that time he had recently gotten out of jail. He showed me the 7 bullet hole scars in his body that he had received while a part of a gang in Belize City. Last year, Winston went through the 12-month discipleship program at Freedom House. Then he attended a Christian jobs-training-school, Trade 4 Life, where he earned certification in refrigeration. He graduated Friday, February 22nd… here’s the coolest part: graduation was WHILE we were in Belize!
When I saw him this year he had confidence and there was hope shining in his eyes as well as in his smile. God had given him a new path and he was gladly following it.
While we were riding this year I met other men like Winston who are going through the 12-month discipleship program at Freedom House. Jesus is using Pastor Manuel and Pastor Eddie through Freedom House to reach the “least of these” men coming out of prison. It is amazing to partner with a mission that is helping young men to break the chains of their past lives and gain freedom in Christ!
Jesus said in Matthew 18:12-13 — What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them goes astray, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go out to search for the one that is lost? And if he finds it, truly I tell you, he rejoices...
God is showing His love and grace as He provides another chance for these men to make an impact in their communities but this time for HIS glory and HIS Kingdom.
Through this cycling mission trip, God allowed us to join in His mission to “save the one.” God used us to provide resources for these young men so they can have the opportunity to support themselves and their families. What an incredible honor to #PrayPedalRepeat for these young men of Belize!
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